This is the pivotal game in this series with it all tied up at one game apiece. Righty Jason Hammel will start for the Rockies against Pedro Martinez of the Phillies. Hammel pitched in 34 games (30 starts) for the Rockies this year and he was 10-8 with a 4.33 ERA and a 1.39 WHIP. He has pitched 2 games against the Phillies this year (1 start) and he was 1-0 with a 4.82 ERA and a 1.71 WHIP. Hammel will have to tread lightly in this game as a few Phillies run up to the plate when he is on the mound. Raul Ibanez was 3 for 4 with a solo homer against Hammel this season so he will have to be very careful with him as he is already having a good series. Jimmy Rollins is 2 for 5 with a homer and 2 RBIs and Shane Victorino is 3 for 5 with a double this season against Hammel and they bat in front of the big boys on the Phillies so he must keep them off the bases somehow in this game. Finally, Pedro Feliz is 2 for 4 with a RBI against Hammel. Basically, the Rockies better have everyone ready in the bullpen in case Hammel gets off to a rough start. The Rockies will have to deal with a well rested Pedro Martinez in this game. Despite his age the man can still pitch. He started 9 games for the Phillies this season and he was 5-1 with a 3.63 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP. He did not pitch against the Rockies this season which likely benefits him. Brad Hawpe has had success against Martinez as he is 2 for 4 with a solo homer. The only other Rockies player who has had much success against Pedro is Udaldo Jimenez who is 2 for 3 against him in his career. Chances are very, very unlikely that Jimenez will bat against Pedro in this game. This game should be very interesting.
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